Ford v. State

Hunstein, Justice.

We granted certiorari in this case to determine whether the procedures for opening default as a matter of right under OCGA § 9-11-55 (a) are applicable, pursuant to OCGA § 9-11-81, in forfeiture actions under OCGA § 16-13-49. The Court of Appeals, following its holding in State of Georgia v. Britt Caribe, Ltd., 154 Ga. App. 476 (268 SE2d 702) (1980), held that the default procedures under the Civil Practice Act are not applicable to forfeiture actions. Ford v. State of Georgia, 235 Ga. App. 755 (509 SE2d 734) (1998). We reverse based on Rojas v. State of Georgia, 269 Ga. 121…